Before collecting the homework, the "Study Guide questions" to the "Timetable
of the Rise of Nazism," discuss student responses to Part III of the homework.
There will be a variety of responses to this question, and students should
give reasons for their choices.

Part III: Based on your understanding of the Timetable, pick what you
think are three key events that contributed most to the rise of Nazism. Support
your point of view.

Possible Answer:

Event - Depression of 1929: Hard times and disillusionment with a government
generally bring protest. As the economic crisis deepened in Germany, those
political parties, like the Nazis that had attacked the Weimar Republic
and its policies, gained strength. In this most severe economic crunch,
the Nazi accusations seemed to make sense to large numbers of the unemployed.

Event - Formation of the National Front in 1931: Because of the formation
of the National Front, respectable German citizens who may have been reluctant
to voice their approval of the Nazis now felt they could do so and retain
their respectability. It also meant that large sums of money would now come
to the NSDAP for political campaigns.

Event - Success in 1932 elections: With 33 percent of the Reichstag, the
NSDAP gained enough power for Hitler to finally become a serious candidate
for chancellor.

Collect homework, the "Study Guide Questions" for the "Timetable of the Rise
of Nazism." Grade the homework and return it the following day.

Answers for Study Guide Questions:

Part I: Time Line

A. Hitler attempts to take control of a state government: Beer-hall Putsch
in Munich, November 1923

B. Cost of living soars in Germany: Inflation of 1921-1923

C. Signing of the Versailles Treaty, which ended World War I: June 1919

ANSWER: Lebensraum means "living space" and refers to the idea that the
German people need more room and, therefore, German territory must expand.
This territory for the "pure and healthy German race" must be taken from
Eastern European or Slavic people like the Poles and the Russians. The Nazis
defined these groups as "inferior peoples."

3. How did the Germans react to the French occupation of the Ruhr Valley?

ANSWER: The initial reaction was "passive resistance." All workers went
on strike: miners, barbers, grocers, police, all refused to serve the French.
As the occupation continued, Germans began to sabotage the French forces.
Violence increased and German national enthusiasm for the anti-French activists
increased with it.

4. Why did many wealthy Germans begin to support Hitler?

ANSWER: The Weimar government began to consider plans for dividing large
estates to be given to independent farmers. They also considered plans to
nationalize large industries. Some aristocrats and industrialists then threw
their support to the one party that most adamantly opposed both the Weimar
Republic and the Communists. The Nazis seemed to offer all that these men
wanted.

5. What did the term "November Criminals" mean?

ANSWER: "November Criminals" was the name the Nazis gave to the founders
and supporters of the Weimar Republic. Hitler claimed that these men had
betrayed Germany and had continued to govern against the interests of the
German people.

6. What was the "National Front"?

ANSWER: The "National Front" was a coalition of anti-Communist army generals,
Nazis, industrialists, bankers and aristocrats. Because they were invited
to be a part of this coalition, the Nazis gained considerable respectability.

7. What was the purpose of the Enabling Act of March 1933?

ANSWER: The Enabling Act empowered Hitler to enact legislation by himself,
that is, without approval of the Reichstag. (He could then cancel some of
the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Weimar Constitution like the right
to assemble, freedom of the press, freedom of speech, etc.)

8. What happened on July 14, 1933, that determined the fate of German
political opponents of the Nazis?

ANSWER: On July 14, 1933, Hitler proclaimed that the Nazi Party was the
only legal political party in Germany. He then proceeded to have members
of the Communist, Social Democrat, Center and other parties whom he knew
had opposed the NSDAP and its policies arrested. All those arrested were
sent to concentration camps.

F 7. Hitler's speeches carefully developed intricate arguments, and
the contents were carefully judged by his audiences.

F 8. Hitler successfully gained power in 1933 by leading a violent
revolution.

F 9. Hitler tried to guarantee equal rights for all Germans through
a series of emergency decrees.

T 10. Hindenburg opposed Hitler's emergency decrees.

T 11. Other countries supported Hitler's policies in foreign affairs.

T 12. Under Hitler's rule, it was safe for most Germans to walk the
streets at night.

F 13. Only hardened criminals were put into concentration camps.

T 14. The Hitler Youth was dedicated to Hitler's philosophy.

F 15. Most Austrians felt they were victims of Nazi aggressions.

T 16. Hitler fought two wars: one for territory and the other for
"purity of race."

NOTE TO TEACHER: Recalling the interview in Lesson 4, remind students
that German Jews were patriotic German citizens, many of whom believed in
German culture and had fought for Germany in World War I. They were certain
that Germany was a civilization of the highest order. "How long could
he last?" was the attitude toward Hitler voiced by many Germans who believed
that they mainstream of German society would reject him.

Homework Assignment:

Assign "The Beliefs of the Nazi Party," Reading 6A, as homework
and have students write the answers to the question posed at the beginning
of the essay. If time permits, this assignment may be begun in class. At
the beginning of the next class period, check to see that students have
completed the assignment before discussing their responses to the question.

Assign parts for the dramatization,
"The Fuehrer Speaks,"
Reading 6B. If possible, the role of Hitler should be given to a drama
student. Other roles are: an American Reporter, a Narrator, a Hitler Youth
Member, five Members of the Audience, Edward R. Murrow, William Shirer and
Ernie Pyle.